The Pros And Cons Of Using The Best In Ear Headphones

by Vic Hurlstorm on January 28, 2012

A lot of people have diverse opinions about using earbuds to listen to audio. For other people it’s solely a choice of comfortability while for many, it depends on which activity he or she is doing while listening.

On this page, let’s look at the advantages and drawbacks of employing In-Ear Headphones.

First, let’s start off with what people like about them.

1. Mobility

When asked “what do you like most about using earbuds”, probably the most common response is since they’re small and mobile.

For this type of small item, the big-time feature is having the ability to just place them away inside your purse or backpack and pocket without being concerned about damaging the product or taking up an excessive amount of space.

It is very simple to pull out and employ at any time the earbuds since it can be left connected to the audio jack of any transportable music player such as an iPod or iPhone. There’s no need to locate them or fumble around a purse or backpack to get to them. As a result, it’s definitely a time saver.

2. Small and Unobtrusive

Related to portability, many people like them since they’re small and unobtrusive when being used. They can fit nicely into ones ear and also the only thing that can really be seen would be the cords, and even then if the device is wireless there could not even be any cords at all! They really aren’t like those large studio headphones that stick out like crazy.

3. Audio quality

The audio quality of your in-ear headphones will depend on the type that you get, but many brands may have outstanding audio quality – in many cases a lot better than normal studio style headphones which are much larger.

Earbuds like the Bose IE2s sound extremely good, for example.

4. Cost

Not at all times, but in many cases since there is much less material, the price of earbuds are comparatively low. Generally speaking the price of earphones are an edge that many people enjoy. You can spring for high quality ones which cost more.

Next, let’s examine a number of the reasons people hate using earbuds.

1. They Don’t Always Fit Right

Not all ears are shaped the same, so as an effect some kinds of in ear headphones easily drop out for many people, and the same kind will fit snugly for others. Sometimes, it can be a hit and miss, but if it’s your first time using earbuds, no matter what, it will require some getting used to.

Using in-ear headphones is tough for athletes and those that listen to audio while moving around a whole lot (specifically runners),

What is the reason?

Because they’re desirable because they’re tiny and don’t use up much room (like I said, they can fit right into a pocket, even in running shorts), however for some people they’re really frustrating because all of that movement and bouncing around can certainly cause the headphones to come out.

It will end up frustrating each and every time I ran a couple of miles and adjust my headphones every 4 or 5 minutes.

The white stock iPhone and iPod headphones are well known for receding when individuals are jogging or jumping around a whole lot.

I’d definitely check out the Bose IE2s, that can come with something called StayHere Methods for better stability when you exercise especially if I’ll be doing some heavy motion yet still wish to enjoy the advantages of in-ear headphones.

Also, a branded earbud called YurBuds also makes earphones especially for athletes as well.

2. They generally tangle!

Unfortunately, the long cords and the small buds on the end could cause a lot of tangling, which can lead to lots of disappointment. Taking out knots in cords may be the last thing people want to do, and sadly many individuals experience the joy of mobility, but then the pain of a massive ball of cord that has to be undone.

Many brands have a reel or organizer that nicely stores the wires, however it’s kind of annoying to bring around a case everywhere you go, and then neatly put them away only to bring them back out when you’re ready to tune in to audio or music again.

3. Toughness

Because in-ear headphones are small and fragile, they could easily crack. Some brands are superior to others, unfortunately it’s not really that uncommon to see the wiring come off at the bottom of the earbud, or one of the earbuds to go quiet. Your headphones should be able to last you a very long time if you take good care of your headphones.

Also, some earbuds have attachments to make them fit much better, and often times these will come off go missing, specifically if you just stuff your headphones right into a backpack or in your wallet. I’ve tried it lots of times, as well as with a few spares handy the rubbery or silicone pieces that continually come off make it very annoying to cope with.

So, as you can tell, there are positive things and bad things that come along with the choice to use in-ear headphones. Having the best in ear headphones for your budget and style is something that you ought to make certain should you choose them.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the best in ear headphones under 100 or the best in ear headphones for ipad, where all headphones are reviewed, unboxed and rated so you can get the best information for the latest electonic gear.